Written By: Gouri Ghosh

India’s travel and tourism industry is not just growing — it’s booming. More people in India now have higher incomes, easier access to flights and trains, and more awareness of destinations. Families are planning vacations, young people are exploring new places, and businesses are sending employees on work trips. This means travel is no longer a luxury, but a regular part of life. For entrepreneurs, this creates a big chance. Travel franchise opportunities in 2026 are becoming one of the smartest ways to enter the market. 

Instead of starting from zero, a franchise allows you to work under an established brand. That means customers already know and trust the name, which makes it easier for you to get business.

So, if you are looking for a business that has high demand, steady growth, and a trusted system, then a travel franchise in India could be your best move in 2026.

Why Invest in a Travel Franchise in 2026?

• Strong Market Outlook
  • India’s tourism industry is expected to grow significantly in 2026.
  • Both domestic and international travel are on the rise.
  • Growing middle class and disposable incomes are driving demand.
• Rising Travel Trends
  • Luxury Travel – premium experiences, high-end stays, curated trips.
  • Budget Travel – youth travelers, backpackers, affordable packages.
  • Wellness Tourism – yoga retreats, spa vacations, health-focused trips.
  • Adventure Tourism – trekking, diving, safaris, outdoor adventures.  
• Digital Transformation
  • AI-powered platforms for smart booking and recommendations.
  • Chatbots for instant customer support.
  • Personalized planning tools to create custom trips.
  • Technology adoption lets franchisees leverage innovation without building it from scratch.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Travel Franchise

Before buying a travel franchise in India, evaluate these key points:

Top 10 Travel Franchises in India 2026

Here are some of the best travel franchise opportunities in 2026 in India:

1. MakeMyTrip Franchise

• About: India’s largest online travel company with a strong reputation. Offers flights, hotels, holidays, and corporate travel solutions.
• Investment & Fee: Moderate franchise cost; scalable options start around ₹5–10 lakh.
• Support:
  • Tech-driven platform
  • CRM tools
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Online booking system

Why Choose:

• MakeMyTrip is a tech-first travel franchise, ideal for entrepreneurs who want to leverage online platforms.
• The brand has strong recognition, which helps attract customers quickly.
• Franchisees gain access to a growing online travel market, ensuring steady demand.
• This is a smart option for anyone looking to start a travel franchise business in 2026 with modern tools.

2. EaseMyTrip Franchise

• About: Rapidly growing online travel agency with strong market share. Focuses on flight bookings, hotels, and holiday packages.
• Investment & Fee: Affordable compared to bigger players; starting around ₹3–5 lakh.
• Support:
  • Training programs
  • Online booking engine
  • Digital marketing assistance
  • Tier-2 & Tier-3 city focus

Why Choose:

• EaseMyTrip offers a strong online presence, making it easier to reach new customers.
• The franchise model is affordable, allowing entrepreneurs to start with lower investment.
• It is particularly suitable for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where travel demand is growing.
• Franchisees can tap into one of the fastest-growing travel franchise opportunities in 2026

3. Thomas Cook India

• About: Trusted legacy brand with global presence. Offers holiday packages, forex, and visa services.
• Investment & Fee: Higher investment; typically ₹10–15 lakh.
• Support:
  • End-to-end support including forex, holidays, and visas
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Franchise training programs

Why Choose:

• Thomas Cook is a legacy brand, providing credibility and trust with customers.
• Franchisees benefit from long-term business stability and premium clientele.
• The brand offers comprehensive support, including holidays, forex, and visas.
• This makes it an excellent choice for investors entering the travel franchise 2026 market.

4. SOTC Travel

• About: Known for holiday packages and group tours, domestic and international.
• Investment & Fee: Mid-range; around ₹5–8 lakh.
• Support:
  • Marketing support
  • Franchise training
  • Strong backend systems

Why Choose:

• SOTC specializes in family holiday packages, a high-demand segment in India.
• The franchise provides proven systems for managing bookings and customer service.
• Franchisees receive full training and marketing support, making operations smoother.
• It is a reliable option for entrepreneurs looking for a travel franchise business 2026 with a strong backend system.

5. Kesari Tours

• About: Famous for Indian and international group tours, cultural trips, and pilgrimage tours.
• Investment & Fee: Reasonable entry cost; approx ₹3–6 lakh.
• Support:
  • Franchise training programs
  • Marketing campaigns and event
  • Customer support system

Why Choose:

• Kesari Tours has a loyal customer base, which helps new franchisees generate revenue quickly.
• The brand is strong in cultural, group, and pilgrimage tours, offering a niche market advantage.
• Franchisees receive training and marketing support, reducing the startup learning curve.
• This makes it an attractive choice for those exploring travel franchise opportunities in 2026.

6. Yatra Franchise

• About: One of India’s largest online travel agencies (OTA), offering flights, hotels, holidays, and corporate travel solutions. The brand combines online bookings with offline customer support.
• Investment & Fee: Flexible franchise options starting around ₹5–8 lakh.
• Support:
  • Digital marketing assistance
  • CRM tools for customer management
  • Business training and onboarding
  • Access to online + offline sales channels
• Why Choose:
  • Yatra is ideal for entrepreneurs who want both online and offline reach.
  • The brand’s visibility ensures a steady flow of customers.
  • Franchisees can leverage the company’s tech tools to manage bookings efficiently.
  • It is a strong choice for those seeking travel franchise opportunities in 2026 with a hybrid model.

7. TravelGuru Franchise

• About: Specializes in hotel bookings and holiday packages. Focuses on providing seamless hotel reservations and curated vacation experiences.
• Investment & Fee: Lower cost entry; typically ₹3–5 lakh.
• Support:
  • Easy-to-use platform
  • Marketing tools and promotional materials
  • Booking management system
  • Customer support assistance
• Why Choose:
  • TravelGuru is perfect for entrepreneurs focusing on hotel-based travel services.
  • The platform simplifies operations and customer management.
  • Franchisees can capitalize on high hotel demand in urban and tourist-heavy areas.
  • This makes it a strong travel franchise in India 2026 option for low-cost entry.

8. Akbar Travels Franchise

• About: Well-known travel brand with offices across India and global presence. Offers ticketing, holiday packages, and corporate travel services.
• Investment & Fee: Moderate investment; approximately ₹5–7 lakh.
• Support:
  • Ticketing system and reservation tools
  • Strong B2B network for group bookings
  • Marketing and training support
  • Ongoing operational guidance
• Why Choose:
  • Akbar Travels is excellent for entrepreneurs targeting NRI and international customers.
  • The brand offers a trusted reputation, ensuring customer confidence.
  • Franchisees benefit from a strong ticketing and package business model.
  • It is a practical option for a travel franchise business 2026 with steady demand.

9. Happy Miles Franchise

• About: Rising brand focusing on student and youth travel, offering educational tours, adventure trips, and group packages.
• Investment & Fee: Affordable entry; around ₹2–4 lakh.
• Support:
  • Franchise training programs
  • Marketing and promotional support
  • Student and youth tour packages
  • Online booking platform
• Why Choose:
  • Happy Miles offers a unique niche in education and youth travel.
  • Franchisees can tap into the growing student travel segment.
  • The brand provides marketing and operational support to simplify business.
  • It is a top travel franchise opportunity in 2026 for targeting younger travelers.

10. Cox & Kings Franchise (if revived)

• About: Legacy travel brand with worldwide recognition. Offers luxury tours, corporate travel, and international holiday packages.
• Investment & Fee: Higher cost if restructured; typically ₹10–15 lakh.
• Support:
  • International travel connections
  • Luxury and corporate package support
  • Marketing and operational guidance
  • Franchise training programs
• Why Choose:  
  • Cox & Kings has a strong global presence and brand trust.
  • Franchisees can offer premium and international travel packages.
  • The brand’s legacy ensures customer confidence and repeat business.
  • Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking a prestigious travel franchise in India 2026.

Emerging Travel Franchise Trends in 2026

• AI-Driven Agencies: Travel franchise opportunities in 2026 increasingly use AI to automate bookings, improve customer service, and predict traveler preferences.
• Personalized Travel Planning: Big data enables franchises to offer tailored itineraries, making them a top choice for the best travel franchise.
• Sustainable Tourism: Rising demand for eco-friendly packages is shaping the best travel franchise models in India.
• Hybrid Models: Combining online booking platforms with offline support enhances customer experience and expands travel franchise India options.
• Tech-Enabled Customer Engagement: Mobile apps, chatbots, and virtual assistants reduce operational costs and improve service for potential franchisees.
• Flexible Investment Options: The travel franchise cost ranges from low to mid-level, making it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the market.
• Focus on Domestic Travel: Post-pandemic trends increase demand for local travel, highlighting travel franchise opportunities in India.
• Collaborations with OTAs: Partnering with online travel agencies boosts reach and revenue, strengthening the profile of the best travel franchise in India.
• Experience-Based Travel: Franchises offering adventure, cultural, and niche experiences are gaining popularity among travelers.
• Data-Driven Marketing: Analytics help franchises target customers efficiently, improving ROI and supporting growth of travel franchise India.

Conclusion

The travel franchise business 2026 in India is filled with opportunities. With growing demand, strong brands, and technology-driven systems, this is one of the best times to enter the industry.

Take your time, analyze the travel franchise opportunities in 2026, and choose the right brand that matches your budget and vision.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.